Vector Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis · California · fellowship · posted 8 days ago
*POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER* *Population Genomics & Adaptive Introgression Among African Malaria Vector Species* *Join an interdisciplinary research program investigating the evolutionary genomics of Africa’s most important malaria vectors.* We are seeking an outstanding *Postdoctoral Researcher* to investigate *interspecific hybridization, gene flow, and adaptive introgression among members of the Anopheles gambiae species complex* Research will involve the application of cutting-edge long-read sequencing and population genomic approaches. *THE RESEARCH* Closely related *Anopheles* species frequently occur in sympatry and, despite strong reproductive isolation, do exchange genetic material in nature. This project will use *PacBio HiFi and other long-read genomic technologies* to resolve the genomic architecture of species boundaries and determine how adaptive genetic variation moves across them. Research will focus on: - *Interspecific hybridization and gene flow* within the *Anopheles gambiae* complex - *Adaptive introgression* and the movement of advantageous alleles across species boundaries - *Long-read genome assembly and haplotype resolution* - Discovery and characterization of *structural variation*, including inversions and other complex genomic variants - Population genomic and phylogenomic analysis of *species differentiation and genomic barriers to gene flow* - The evolutionary history of loci associated with *insecticide resistance, environmental adaptation, and vector biology* - Integration of genomic, geographic, ecological, and phenotypic data to understand *adaptation in malaria vectors* *RESPONSIBILITIES* The successful candidate will contribute to the development and analysis of high-quality genomic resources and population datasets and will have substantial latitude to develop independent research questions. Methods may include: *PacBio HiFi sequencing • haplotype-resolved assembly • structural variant discovery • pangenomics • population genomics • phylogenomics • demographic inference • introgression analysis • selection scans • computational genomics* *QUALIFICATIONS* *Required* - Ph.D. in population genetics, evolutionary biology, genomics, computational biology, entomology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field - Demonstrated research experience in genomics, population genetics, or evolutionary biology - Strong quantitative and analytical skills *Preferred* - Experience with long-read sequencing, particularly *PacBio HiFi* - Genome assembly or structural-variant analysis - Experience detecting gene flow, admixture, or introgression - Proficiency in *R, Python, Linux/HPC*, or comparable computational tools *Experience with mosquitoes in the genus Anopheles is valuable but not required.* We welcome candidates bringing expertise from evolutionary genomics, computational biology, or population genetics who are excited to apply their skills to vector-borne disease biology. *SIGNIFICANCE* Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding how malaria-vector species evolve, exchange genetic variation, and adapt to their environments is essential for anticipating changes that may influence *malaria transmission and vector control*. This research sits at the intersection of *evolutionary biology, genomics, vector biology, and global health*, providing an opportunity to address fundamental questions about species evolution while contributing to the scientific foundation for sustainable malaria control and elimination. *JOIN US* *Location:* University of California, Davis *Position:* Postdoctoral Researcher *Start Date:* ASAP *Duration:* Two years minimum *Application Deadline:* Open until filled *To apply:* Submit a CV, brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to vectorgeneticslab@gmail.com. *Questions?* Contact: Christine Coleman, Executive Assistant| cmhandy@ucdavis.edu | https://vectorgeneticslab.ucdavis.edu *We are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment and encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.*
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